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(Photo: Me circa 1987, just thinking about my future PA School Essay)
- Are you struggling to write your physician assistant personal statement?
- Are you out of ideas, or just need a second opinion?
- Do you want an essay that expresses who you truly are and grabs the reader's attention in the required 5,000-character limit?
We are here to help perfect your PA school essay
I have written countless times on this blog about the importance of your personal statement in the PA school application process. Beyond the well-established metrics (GPA, HCE/PCE hours, requisite coursework, etc.), the personal statement is the most crucial aspect of your application.
This is your time to express yourself, show your creativity, skills, and background, and make a memorable impression in seconds. This will be your only chance, so you must get it right the first time.
For some time, I had been dreaming about starting a physician assistant personal statement collaborative.
A place where PA school applicants like yourself can post their PA school essays and receive honest, constructive feedback followed by an acceptance letter to the PA school of your choice!
I have been reviewing a ton of essays recently, so many in fact that I can no longer do this on my own.
To solve this problem, I have assembled a team of professional writers, editors, and PA school admissions specialists who worked to revise and perfect my PA school application essay.
Beth Eakman has taught college writing and worked as a professional writer and editor since the late 1990s. Her projects have involved a wide range of disciplines and media, from editing technical reports to scriptwriting for the PBS Kids show Super Why! Her writing has appeared in publications including Brain, Child Magazine, New York Family Magazine, and Austin Family Magazine. Beth lives with her family just outside Austin, Texas. She is driven to help each client tell the best version of their story and achieve their dream of becoming a physician assistant.
Deanna Matzen is an author with articles featured in Earth Letter, Health Beats, Northwest Science & Technology, and the Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. With an early career in environmental science, she developed a solid foundation in technical writing. Her communication skills were further honed by producing and editing content for a non-profit website, blog, and quarterly journal. Inspired to extend her craft, she obtained a certificate in literary fiction, which she draws on to build vibrant scenes that bring stories to life. Deanna loves working with pre-PAs who are on the cusp of new beginnings to find their unique story and tell it confidently.
Carly Hallman is a professional writer and editor with a B.A. in English Writing and Rhetoric (summa cum laude) from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. She has worked as a curriculum developer, English teacher, and study abroad coordinator in Beijing, China, where she moved in 2011. In college, she was a Gilman Scholar and worked as a staff editor for her university's academic journal. Her first novel, Year of the Goose, was published in 2015, and her first memoir is forthcoming from Little A Books. Her essays and creative writing have appeared in The L.A. Review of Books, The Guardian, LitHub, and Identity Theory, among other publications.
Read more client testimonials or purchase a revision
We Work as a Team
Our team of professional editors is wonderful at cutting out the "fluff" that makes an essay lose focus and sets people over the 5,000-character limit. Their advice is always spot-on.
Sue, Sarah, and Carly are amazingly creative writers who will take your "ordinary" and turn it into entirely extraordinary.
I mean it when I say this service is one-of-a-kind! We have spent countless hours interviewing PA School admissions directors and faculty from across the country to find out exactly what it is they are looking for in your personal statement.
We even wrote a book about it.
To collaborate, we use Google Drive. Google Drive is free, has an intuitive interface with integrated live comments in the sidebar, the ability to have a real-time chat, to collaborate effortlessly, and to compare, revise, or restore revisions on the fly. Google Drive also has an excellent mobile app that will allow you to make edits on the go!
Our team has worked with hundreds of PA school applicants within the Google Drive environment, and we have had enormous success.
The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative
I have set up two options that I hope will offer everyone a chance to participate:
- One-of-a-kind, confidential, paid personal statement review service
- A collaborative, free one (in the comments section)
Private, One-On-One Personal Statement Review Service
If you are interested in the paid service, you may choose your plan below.
The Personal Statement Review Service is:
- Behind closed doors within a private, secure network using Google Drive.
- It is completely interactive, meaning we will be able to provide real-time comments and corrections using the Google Drive interface.
- Telephone consultations are included with all edits above the single edit level. It’s often hard to communicate exactly what you want hundreds of miles away; for this reason, we offer the option to edit right along with us over the telephone while sharing in real-time over Google Drive. This is an option available to all our paid clients who purchase above the single edit level.
- We provide both revision and editing of all essays. What’s the difference? See below
- We will provide feedback, advice, and help with brainstorming and topic creation if you would like.
- We will help with a “final touch-up” before the big day, just in case your essay needs a few minor changes.
Why Choose Our Service?
- It’s not our opinion that matters. We have gone the extra step and personally interviewed PA school administrators from across the US to find out exactly what they think makes a personal statement exceptional.
- We are a team of PAs and professional writers, having worked over ten years with PA school applicants like yourself, providing countless hours of one-on-one editing and revision.
- Our clients receive interviews, and many go on to receive acceptance into their PA School of choice.
Because we always give 100%, we will open the essay collaborative for a limited number of applicants each month and then close this depending on the amount of editing that needs to be done and the time that is available.
Our goal is not quantity but quality. We want only serious applicants who are serious about getting into PA school.
Writing is not a tool like a piece of software but more like how a photograph can capture your mood. It’s more like art. The process of developing a unique, memorable personal statement is time-intensive, and it takes hours to compose, edit, finalize, and personalize an essay.
As Antoinette Bosco once said:
And this is why I am charging for this service. We love helping people find stories that define their lives, and we love helping individuals who have the passion to achieve their dreams. It’s hard to describe the feeling I get when an applicant writes back to tell me they were accepted into PA school.
There is no price tag I can place on this; it’s the feeling we get when we help another human being. It’s just like providing health care. But this takes time.
Interested? Choose your plan below.
Read more client testimonials.
Free Personal Statement Review
Post your essay in the comments section for a free critique
We want to make this opportunity available to everyone who would like help with their essay, and that is why we are offering free, limited feedback on the blog.
You post your essay in the comments section, and you will get our critique. It is that easy. We will try to give feedback to every single person who posts their COMPLETE essay here on this blog post in the comments section.
Also, by posting your comment, we reserve the right to use your essay.
We will provide feedback on essays that are complete and fit the CASPA requirements (View CASPA requirements here). We will not provide feedback on partial essays or review opening or closing statements. Your essay will be on a public platform, which has both its benefits and some obvious drawbacks. The feedback is limited, but we will try to help in any way we can.
Note: Comment Rules: Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That’s how we’re gonna be — cool. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, I will delete your stuff. Otherwise, have fun, and thanks for adding to the conversation! And this should go without saying: if you feel the need to plagiarize someone else’s content, you do not deserve to go to PA school.
* Also, depending on the time of year, it may take me several weeks to reply!
We love working with PA school applicants, but don't just take our word for it!
How to submit your essay for the paid service
If you are serious and would like to have real, focused, and personalized help writing your personal statement, please choose your level of service and submit your payment below.
After you have submitted your payment, you will be redirected to the submissions page, where you can send us your essay as well as any special instructions. We will contact you immediately upon receipt of your payment and essay so we may begin work right away.
Pricing is as follows:
Choose your plan, then click "Buy Now" to submit your essay, and we will get started right away!
Every purchase includes a FREE digital copy of our new 100-page eBook, How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement, Our 101 PA School Admission Essays e-book, the expert panel audiobook, and companion workbook. This is a $65 value included for free with your purchase.
All credit card payments are processed via PayPal over a secure HTTPS server. Once your payment is processed, you will be immediately redirected back to the essay submission page. There, you will submit your essay along with some biographical info and all suggestions or comments you choose to provide. You will receive immediate confirmation that your essay has been securely transmitted as well as your personal copy of "How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement." Contact [email protected] if you have any questions, comments, or problems - I am available 24/7.
The hourly service includes your original edit and one-on-one time over Google Drive. It is simple to add more time if necessary, but you may be surprised at what a difference just a single edit can make. We find our four-hour service to be the most effective in terms of time for follow-up and full collaboration. We are open to reduced-rate add-ons to suit your individual needs.
Writing and Revision
All writing benefits from rewriting when done well.
When you are in the process of writing a draft of an essay, you should be thinking first about revision, not editing.
What’s the difference?
Revision refers to the substantial changing of text. For example, it may include re-organizing ideas and paragraphs, providing additional examples or information, and rewriting a conclusion for clarity.
Editing, on the other hand, refers to correcting mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
On all submissions, we perform both revision and editing.
How to submit your PA school essay for the FREE editing service
Follow the rules above and get to work below in the comments section. I look forward to reading all your essay submissions.
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C
View all posts in this series
- How to Write the Perfect Physician Assistant School Application Essay
- The Physician Assistant Essay and Personal Statement Collaborative
- Do You Recognize These 7 Common Mistakes in Your Personal Statement?
- 7 Essays in 7 Days: PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 1, “A PA Changed My Life”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 2, “I Want to Move Towards the Forefront of Patient Care”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 3, “She Smiled, Said “Gracias!” and Gave me a Big Hug”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 4, “I Have Gained so Much Experience by Working With Patients”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 5, “Then Reach, my Son, and Lift Your People up With You”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 6, “That First Day in Surgery was the First Day of the Rest of my Life”
- PA Personal Statement Workshop: Essay 7, “I Want to Take People From Dying to Living, I Want to Get Them Down From the Cliff.”
- Physician Assistant Personal Statement Workshop: “To say I was an accident-prone child is an understatement”
- 9 Simple Steps to Avoid Silly Spelling and Grammar Goofs in Your PA School Personel Statement
- 5 Tips to Get you Started on Your Personal Essay (and why you should do it now)
- How to Write Your Physician Assistant Personal Statement The Book!
- How to Write “Physician Assistant” The Definitive PA Grammar Guide
- 101 PA School Admissions Essays: The Book!
- 5 Things I’ve Learned Going Into My Fourth Physician Assistant Application Cycle
- 7 Tips for Addressing Shortcomings in Your PA School Personal Statement
- The #1 Mistake PRE-PAs Make on Their Personal Statement
- The Ultimate PA School Personal Statement Starter Kit
- The Ultimate Guide to CASPA Character and Space Limits
- 10 Questions Every PA School Personal Statement Must Answer
- 5 PA School Essays That Got These Pre-PAs Accepted Into PA School
- 7 Questions to Ask Yourself While Writing Your PA School Personal Statement
- 101 PA School Applicants Answer: What’s Your Greatest Strength?
- 12 Secrets to Writing an Irresistible PA School Personal Statement
- 7 Rules You Must Follow While Writing Your PA School Essay
- You Have 625 Words and 2.5 Minutes to Get Into PA School: Use Them Wisely
- What’s Your #1 Personal Statement Struggle?
- 31 (NEW) CASPA PA School Personal Statement Examples
- How to Prepare for Your PA School Interview Day Essay
- Should You Write Physician Associate or Physician Assistant on Your PA School Essay?
- Meet the World’s Sexiest PA School Applicants
- PA School Reapplicants: How to Rewrite Your PA School Essay for Guaranteed Success
- How to Write a Personal Statement Intro that Readers Want to Read
- PA School Reapplicant Personal Statement Checklist
- How to Deal with Bad News in Your Personal Statement
- Inside Out: How to use Pixar’s Rules of Storytelling to Improve your PA Personal Statement
- Ratatouille: A Pixar Recipe for PA School Personal Statement Success
- Personal Statement Panel Review (Replay)
- Mind Mapping: A Tool for Personal Statements, Supplemental Essays, and Interviews
- Start at the End: Advice for your PA School Personal Statement
Khianna Del Valle says
I had never seen a melting human hand before that day. It was July 5th, plenty of illegal fireworks were still going off around Boston when we got the call. My partner and I responded with the FD, to a possible explosion, with multiple burn victims. Pulling on scene, I could already see the firefighters scrambling to put out the house fire. There in the front lawn, lay the burn victims. Seventeen-year-old twin siblings, male and female, both in varying stages of shock and panic. The sister had thrown a gallon of water on the fire-filled-pot her brother was holding. Unbeknownst to her, it was full of grease and the reaction covered them both in scalding grease, and set their kitchen on fire. Patients were triaged and, being the only female responder on scene, the sister became my priority.
There she sat, hair completely singed off, in a high state of panic, and guarding her hands; which were dripping with a mixture of grease and serum. I was able to calm her down and properly asses her. She was covered posteriorly from head to toe in first- and second-degree burns. We transported her to the nearest burn facility which was 15-minute away. In that time, I treated my patient with sterile burn sheets, saline, and anything else I had to keep her blisters from bursting.
To distract her from her pain I chatted with her. In that short ride we talked and even laughed through the pain. She told me of her dreams of becoming a gene therapist, and that she had already been accepted into her number one university. Once at the burn center I transferred care to the floor team which consisted of a RN, PA, and CNA. She did not want me to leave and I badly wanted to stay with my patient to comfort her. However, my shift was still young and I had more calls to fulfill.
My ambulance is my office. Working as an EMT has given me more experience, disappointments, and hope than I could ever ask for. It has exposed me to a plethora of patients and has taught me to work well with everyone. Nonetheless, it was this call which solidified my desire to be part of advanced continuing care. I was no longer satisfied dropping my patients off at the ER, and never knowing how they were doing. I wanted to be actively involved in the care and improvement of my patients. More importantly I realized; as terrifying as their medical emergencies can be; I loved working with pediatric patients.
Determination set in, and I was prepared to sacrifice everything to devote myself to a medical carrier. Family, friends, hobbies; I was ready to give it all up to the countless years required for medical school and residency.
I love organic gardening, raising chickens, bodybuilding, and hiking mountains. These are my hobbies; they are my stress outlet and part of what makes me stand out. As I progressed through undergraduate, I learned, giving up something you love to do is like giving up a part of what makes you a person. I realized that if I devoted all of myself to medicine, I would not be the best healthcare provider I could possibly be. By having the time to keep some of the hobbies that relive my stress, I’m able to be a happy well-rounded individual, which in turn makes me a better human and healthcare provider.
Sacrificing 12 years of my life to school and residency did not appeal to me. Neither did the fact that I had to decide on one specialty and had no autonomy to change it without years of added schooling. I expressed this feeling to some of the ER nurses as I was waiting to pick up a patient. They immediately introduced me to the PA on the floor that day. I had given report to countless Pas before and had seen them interact with patients however, I was unsure of their roll in the healthcare field. As this PA explained what this profession was, the autonomy he had, and the process required to become one; I could physically feel a weight lift from my shoulders. It was almost as if I could breathe again; I did not have to give up the things I loved outside of medicine to live out my dream. Here was a profession where I could be a life-time learner, part of a patients continuing care, and where stagnation is never a possibility. He told me what I needed to get into a PA school. I was slightly worried hearing this because, I had all the patient care hours needed but my GPA was mediocre.
I went to school for my EMT cert fall of my senior year. It was an 8-credit class at a different college than the one I was currently enrolled in. I was a fulltime student at FSU taking 15 credits at the time. This brought me to a daunting total of 23 credits for my fall semester. In and of itself 23 credits was doable. However, on top of my 10hr school days I was working 8 hr nights renovating the home my family had just purchased attempting to make it livable before the winter weather hit. I come from a low-income single parent household which could not afford a contractor for this renovation work; therefore, my sisters and I did everything, but the electrical work, ourselves. This took a toll on my emotional and physical wellbeing which reflected in my grades. This dropped my GPA significantly which was discouraging but was the best I could do with all that was happening.
I hope that admissions will see past my commonplace GPA and allow me the opportunity I know I deserve. I have proven myself beyond capable and motivated through my patient care experience. I am prepared to do what it takes to fulfill my dream of being a part of the remarkable teams in the continuing care of patients. I know I will make a great PA if given the chance.
120 words over word count (590 characters)
Whitney Prosperi says
Khianna,
Your opening line is strong. Also, your introduction does a great job of capturing the reader’s attention and showing your ability and desire to connect with patients. Additionally, you explain your yearning to do more for patients while showing yourself remaining calm in a crisis. Good job here!
I would suggest focusing less on why you decided not to become an MD and instead elaborate more on why the PA profession is right for you. Explain more about what aspects of it speak to you. (the potential for more time/contact with patients? the balance between autonomous responsibility for patients and working with a physician and other members of a healthcare team? collaboration?)
I would also add a paragraph that details your shadowing experiences. What did you learn from observing this PA? The physician? What did you admire about the interaction the PA had with patients and with the supervising physician? How did this experience affect your interest in the PA profession?
In addition, I think you are wise to address your GPA. In this section, I would mention any time management strategies or study skills you have gained that will help you in a rigorous PA program.
For your conclusion, reiterate your desire to have increased time with patients and advanced responsibility and clinical knowledge to intervene in their care.
Good luck to you!!
Kendra Benton says
When I began the journey of becoming a Physician Assistant, I was only going through the motions. Sure I was all for helping people but I had no true reason to become a PA other than I was told it was a promising job with potential growth, a possibility of a steady schedule, and of course good pay. So I did what I was told and applied to undergrad, it was not until I became an EMT, to fulfill the required healthcare experience hours, that I began to see just being a PA truly meant.
The hospital that we, EMT’s, would transport a majority of our patients to a fairly small hospital in comparison to the hospitals in the big cities. They only staffed a few ER doctors per shift leaving much of the patient care to the rest of the staff. While I had much respect for the doctors there, I was always amazed at the knowledge and versatility of the PA’s on duty. They were there getting report, checking vitals, communicating with their team members, and updating the doctor, all while conversing with the patient and reassuring them. When expressing my awe of this to a PA, she told me that she loved that her job offered her the flexibility and opportunity to learn and to grow. She treasured the relationships that she had not only built with her coworkers, but her patients too. “Each one has a different story and something to offer you if you just listen to what they have to say”, she told me. To her being a PA was something that she looked forward to everyday. She really opened my eyes to the fact that a PA is more than what I thought they were.
I have come to love being an EMT. I enjoy the rush and the energy that I get day to day but with each patient that I drop off at the hospital, I find myself longing to stay with them and to see them all the way through to their recovery. I have been honored to see the affect of a good PA- patient relationship and for influential it can be, and I want to be a part of that. Now I am not so naïve to think that it will be all sunshine and rainbows. I have heard of the stories of how difficult those 2 years of schooling can be, and I know that I will have to work extra hard to get to where I want to be. I have unfortunately experienced the results of not putting the time in firsthand and looking back I realize what I could have done differently. I have learned from my mistakes and am ready to face the challenges that lie ahead, because becoming a PA is no longer just a job, it’s become a passion of mine, to be there for my patients, to work with my team, and to learn new things each and every day.
Whitney Prosperi says
Kendra,
I believe I would begin your essay with the story about witnessing PAs in your work as an EMT and realizing that you wanted to do more for patients. You can leave the part about “going through the motions” out and just focus on the beginning of your journey toward deciding to become a PA.
I would also add a paragraph that shows what aspects of the profession speak to you. (more time/contact with patients, ability to switch specialties?) Show why this is a good fit for you.
If you have any experience shadowing PAs I would also describe that. What did you admire in their interactions with patients? With the supervising physician? How did this confirm your decision?
I would also include a patient care story that shows you interacting with a patient that inspired you to do more. Show yourself providing clinical care while connecting on a personal level.
For your conclusion, I would tie back to your introduction and the moment you decided you wanted to treat patients as a PA.
I’m not saying you need this, but remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service should you need more help.
Good luck!
Alicia says
Hello, thank you in advance for looking over my personal statement. I am looking forward to any suggestions or changes you may have.
It was the summer before college, sirens blaring and lights flashing. I could feel my heart pumping through my EMT explorers uniform. I was sitting in the captain’s seat, and I could feel my hands getting clammy under my gloves. We had just been dispatched to a priority one (difficulty breathing). I was nervous and excited at the same time. This was my first ride along.
When we arrived on scene, I could see the patient: she was an elderly woman, looking so frail and waiting on her porch in a tripod position. Once we moved her into the ambulance, I noticed there was something very wrong. She was extremely pale, her eyes were piercing with fear, and there was this horrible whistling sound with every breath. The lead EMT was so calm and knew exactly what to do. I sat on the bench seat by the foot of the stretcher and found myself feeling helpless. I reached out my hand, and she grasped mine. I sat there holding her hand all the way to the hospital. I wanted her to feel as though she was not alone and that it would be okay. I learned that day that I no longer wanted to be a mere observer to the events around me but instead obtain the tools and education required to be a healthcare provider.
It was spring semester of my freshman year. I was sitting in my advisor’s office telling her of my new goal — to become a healthcare provider. She looked me in the eyes and told me that no one from this school had ever gotten into any medical graduate program with my major. She then proceeded to tell me that I should change my major and to rethink my goals. I was shocked, confused, and angered. But her words ignited a flame in me, and I was more determined than ever to achieve my ambition. I was researching many different healthcare career options when I found the one I felt would be perfect for me: physician assistant. That next semester I decided to double major with Biology Pre-Med and Paramedicine. This was one of the best decisions I could have made.
Studying biology pre-med in college gave me a strong science background and tested my ability to handle a rigorous course load while volunteering and working. I took a keen interest in the human-based biology courses. My Paramedicine major provided a more genuine healthcare experience and gave hands-on learning, which I craved. This major opened many doors within the field. I obtained my EMT license that summer. Working as an EMT strengthened my ambition to pursue medicine, made it possible for me to think quickly on my feet, and taught the importance of listening to my patients. Every time I transferred over care of my patients to the hospital, I was always left wondering what would happen next.
Throughout my undergraduate years, I spent my time volunteering at my local nursing home, being involved in various clubs on campus, and I had the opportunity to obtain clinical hours at Yale New Haven Hospital. At the nursing home I provided social interaction with the residents and gained valuable communication skills. I held leadership positions in campus clubs, and these taught me teamwork and organization. I worked in the adult emergency department, and this provided a variety of wonderful experiences. The ED was a great place to start working because I was able to see a diverse range of injuries, illnesses, and diseases. I learned the skills that a textbook could not teach me, such as leadership, accountability, and working with others. I cherished the way the physicians, PAs, nurses, and techs all worked together as a team for the greater good of each patient. I learned quickly that everyone played a role and no one’s role was more important than another. In watching the practice of many healthcare professionals, it became evident to me that PAs provided exactly the kind of care I want to offer my patients.
I also had the opportunity to shadow an emergency medicine PA, an eye-opening experience that reinforced my interest in the profession. I value the versatility, the team-based care, and the ability to give back to the community. While shadowing, I learned the importance of developing a close relationship with your patients and understanding different cultures and beliefs. Positive patient outcomes rely on patient understanding and a trust in their care. Shadowing a PA showed me that those in this profession must have a unique combination of partnership, compassion, and communication skills — skills I believe I exhibit.
Over the past four years, I have volunteered in nursing homes, hospitals, and as an EMT. I have come to realize how much I love helping others, and becoming a PA is the best way that I can contribute to society. I am certain that through your PA program I will gain the tools needed to become a valued member of the team. This opportunity will positively impact not only my life, but also the lives of others. “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal” (Albert Pine).
Whitney Prosperi says
Alicia,
You are off to a good start!
I would recommend addressing a little bit more about what aspects of the PA profession speak to you. (more time/contact with patients, ability to switch specialties, collaboration with a healthcare team?)
In addition, your paragraph on shadowing has some good elements. You may want to add in a few details about what you observed from interactions between PA and patient. Describe how this confirmed your decision.
You may want to reiterate why you will excel at combining clinical expertise with a personal touch to support patients.
I’m not saying you need this, but remember we are taking submissions for our essay revision service should you need more help.
Good luck to you, Alicia!
Valerie says
My desire to become a Physician Assistant started four years ago after my first shadowing experience. This opportunity came to me at a time when I needed it the most. It was the summer of 2016 when my mother was experiencing pain in her left breast, followed by abnormal discharge. We rushed to the emergency room and the Physician disclosed to her that due to the discharge, there could be a possibility of being breast cancer. At the moment I felt my reality breakdown, I cried uncontrollably probably more than my mother. We hurried to make an appointment with her physician and waited anxiously for months to undergo exams and biopsies. At this point, I was in a worry-filled what-if cycle, making it difficult for me to center and get it off my mind. During this time, my home of many years got completely flooded and destroyed, which implied a long time of repair, and my family and I were faced with a lawsuit. As a first-generation American, there were many roles I had to fulfill, due to the language barrier, I was responsible for communicating with insurance and lawyers alongside my parents. Due to these challenges, it was difficult to concentrate while studying and as a result, my academic semester suffered. At this moment I have never felt discouraged and even lacked the ambition I once had. Nevertheless just when I needed it the most I was given an opportunity to shadow Physicians in the Otolaryngology department at Weill Cornell Medicine. This is where I first encountered the physician assistant profession. I was acquainted with a PA named Lillian Leung, her sweet, caring, determined personality drove me to shadow her. Roaming around the clinic with the PA, discussing the academic path she followed, reading up on an array of diseases, and discussing them between patient consultations gave me invaluable insights into the PA profession. I shadowed various PAs and became cognizant of the genuine interest I felt towards the PA profession. Being a shadowee to the PA has taught me that PAs can work autonomously and collaboratively with a healthcare team to diagnose and treat individuals. I was captivated by the ability of a PA to work in different medical specialties. Shadowing allowed me to engage with patients, learning more about them and their ailments. I was glad to put my abilities to use by serving as a translator for non-English-speaking patients and healthcare professionals when needed. This experience served as a realization and motivation for me, I finally felt like I found a profession that best aligned with my goals. As things gradually started to improve, I was extremely happy and grateful that my mother’s biopsy came back benign, my home got repaired and our lawsuit was now begin handled. I believe that these challenges have taught me many lessons, sometimes things are out of your control and all you can do is control your effort and your attitude. I was inspired by the individuals I encountered and committed to improve my grades and put my best effort to make up for my poor academic semester. I focused on improving my study techniques and time management skills, which resulted in a positive upward trend. In the interest of becoming a PA, I returned to Weill Cornell to volunteer at the ENT department. Returning to Cornell strengthen my interpersonal skills. I was able to build a solid relationship with Lillian, the PA who changed my perspective and whom I consider a mentor. After graduating I wanted to further strengthen my application and expand my medical knowledge in a different specialty. I got a position as a medical assistant/scribe at Brooks Dermatology. As a MA, one of the main priorities is to take a detailed description of the patient’s condition/chief complaint of their visit. This has allowed me to gain an extensive amount of knowledge of the many skin conditions. This is also my favorite part of the job since I the opportunity to have a brief conversation with the patients making sure they feel comfortable while waiting for the physician. Working in the healthcare field has taught me how important teamwork is, how to best communicate with my peers. As a MA, I get to assist in more hands-on procedures such as skin cancer and skin lesion removals, mole removals, etc. I explain treatment procedures, medication and wound care instructions, and physician instructions to patients. By Scribing the reports I have greatly improved in my medical terminology, writing, and presentation skills since part of the job are to present to the physician the patient’s reason for visit. Together, we assess the patient and I am informed of what additional things may be required such as e-prescriptions. Having this job only reassures my ambition to become a PA. Through the years I have refocused my goals and I am prepared to take the necessary steps to accomplish my aspiration of providing the highest quality care of which I am capable. I hope that Admissions will see past my GPA and afford me the chance I know I deserve, through my efforts and professional experiences.
Whitney Prosperi says
Valerie,
You are off to a good start.
I would suggest condensing where you can, word by word.
You are wise to address your GPA in your essay but I would wait until the paragraph before your conclusion and put all comments there.
I would also add more details that connect your strengths, your interest in caring for patients directly, and why you will excel at combining clinical expertise with a personal touch to support patients. You want to show what makes you suited to the PA profession and what you will have to offer as a future PA.
I’m not saying you need this, but remember that if you need more help we are taking submissions for our essay revision service.
Good luck to you!
Nika MacFarlane says
There I was at 12,000 feet staring down a sinuous ski trail with adrenaline coursing through my veins. Everything fades away the seconds before pushing off and a sense of clarity envelopes my being. My husband taught me to ski four years ago after a spur of the moment decision on my part. What began as inching down the bunny hill has turned into racing down the mountain with the ebullience of a child. Skiing infused my life with new meaning, I had goals to work towards and fostered a tenacity that propels me forwards to this day.
I began skiing the same time that I entered my first college chemistry course. The parallels, at first unseen, became as clear as a mountain spring. What I did not realize, until deeper into my education, was that I was building strength, determination and perseverance through teaching myself to ski and excelling in STEM classes. It took speeding down a snow covered mountain to finally believe in myself and my goals.
This newfound confidence and passion was not always present in my life. I struggled throughout my initial undergraduate years and experienced many failures in academia. The tenacity that I have dug up was buried deep inside of me, sometimes exposing itself as I was able to finish my first undergraduate degree.
My comfort zone was expanded when I moved to Denver and embarked upon discovering the mountains and my true self. I was determined to bring to light my passions and desires so I ventured into a different career field and explored volunteer opportunities. From my previous education in Women’s, Gender and Sexualities Studies I knew working with people was where my strengths lay, but to what capacity became my mission of exploration.
From my time spent in a food bank at a local women’s shelter I was able to observe food insecurities in an urban setting and understand the effects poor nutrition has on health. I wanted to support and educate people deeper, so I began volunteering with Cooking Matters, a non-profit organization that educates families in proper nutrition and teaches culinary skills to cook nutritious meals on a budget. I was able to work with groups of people from Ethiopia, Ecuador and Syria helping to expand my cultural understandings. Experiencing several courses with diverse underserved populations helped to shape my healthcare goals into what they are today. I believe preventative medicine begins with a healthy balanced diet that people of all socioeconomic standings deserve access to.
As my post-baccalaureate studies progressed through anatomy and physiology my vision of my future began to take hold. There was so much more I wanted to learn about disease etiologies and disease prevention that I knew healthcare could provide me with these opportunities. One of the best decisions in my life was to enroll in a month-long Certified Nursing Assistant program. Working as a CNA on a neuroscience unit has served as a jumping off point for my education in healthcare and the human condition. With each day and each patient interaction I learn something new about myself and the complex world of healthcare.
One of my first patients I was working with on the unit had suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke and as a result had lost almost all motor function. With the aid of another CNA we transferred her to a cardiac chair to bask in the view of the mountains. A smile slowly appeared on her face, something I had not witnessed over the past two days with her. A wave of emotions and a realization washed over me, this was where I belonged, with a patient sharing a deep connection. Over the course of time working on my unit I have had countless meaningful connections with patients that have nurtured my passions and strengthened my dedication to becoming a healthcare professional.
My desire to educate in preventative medicine and to establish a continuity of care has led me to the medical profession of a physician assistant. The ability to continue steadfast along the path as a lifelong learner, provide quality care for underserved populations and develop long-lasting relationships with patients has been exemplified from shadowing experiences in primary care to volunteering at a free health clinic. I have worked along PAs that play a vital role on the healthcare team and contribute to the recovery and well-being of the patient. As a PA I would have been able to follow-up with my hemorrhagic stroke patient, aid them along their road to recovery and watch them heal.
Whitney Prosperi says
Nika,
I can see your passion to help people woven throughout your essay.
I think we need to see a more clear picture of how you arrived at the PA profession. You may want to include a description of the moment you learned about the profession or were touched by witnessing an interaction between and patient and PA.
You also want to discuss more about what appeals to you regarding the profession. (increased time/contact with patients? balance between autonomous responsibility for patients and working with a physician and other members of a team?)
I would also add some more details about any shadowing experiences you have had. Describe any interactions between patient and PA that confirmed your decision.
For your conclusion, I would tie back to your introduction in some way.
Good luck to you!
Page says
The night before I took the SAT in high school, my mother and I waited in our locked bathroom for the police to arrive while my older brother banged on the door to get in. Soon after, he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and I was introduced to both the shortcomings and the potentially life-changing value of the mental healthcare system in the United States. While my brother’s treatment was eventually successful, I learned along the way that commitment, compassion, and a patient-centered approach can be the difference between a life of successful treatment and one of frustration and anguish. I realized that if I work hard to pursue a career centered on these values, I can make that difference for others who are less fortunate than my brother.
My brother’s journey to effective healthcare was marked by lapses in medication, frequent stays in hospitals, and a near constant search for a provider that could devote the time and empathy needed to help my brother accept consistent treatment. Like most people who are unfamiliar with the physician assistant profession, my family believed that only an MD was capable of providing the quality care that my brother needed. After months of tireless searching for an available psychiatrist, we hesitantly scheduled an appointment with a psychiatric PA named Jennifer. As a physician assistant, Jennifer embodied the values that draw me to the profession. It is often difficult to treat a patient when their illness is telling them to resist medication. Jennifer listened to my brother and acknowledged his distrust of treatment. She established trust by demonstrating that she was genuinely on his side. Her ability to engage my brother in his own care is a skillset I will strive for in my practice as a physician assistant.
While this personal experience was my motivation, it was my education and work experiences that provided the first tangible steps towards my career as a physician assistant. My family’s challenges with understanding the complexities of mental healthcare inspired me to co-found and serve as secretary of the University of Puget Sound chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). On campus and off, our chapter worked hard to normalize the discussion of mental health and to encourage students that were privately struggling to seek help.
After college, I worked as a phlebotomist at a small blood donation and research laboratory. A large percentage of our donors were marginally housed or homeless individuals with chemical dependency and/or mental health challenges. As I took each donor’s vitals and we waited for their bag to fill, I listened to their stories and connected with their struggles within our broken healthcare system. I engaged my co-workers in advocating for donors that were struggling. The challenges were overwhelming at times, but by listening to our donors’ needs, we were able to help in some cases. For example, one time a donor came in too weak to donate, with low weight and hematocrit, and instead of turning her away we helped her sign up for government assistance so that she could get something to eat. Another time, a donor was struggling with homelessness and undiagnosed mental illness, so we called around and found a housing facility that did not remind him of the system that once mistreated him. We checked in on him often after that, and while he still struggled with many challenges, his condition and surroundings were greatly improved. The pictures he drew for us in treatment still hang on my home office wall.
The direct patient interaction of my phlebotomy job solidified my commitment to provide care for the patients who need help but lack the agency to attain physical or mental care on their own. Just as I hold this personal commitment to patients in deep regard, I have learned the critical need for an integrative network of support. I was able to help provide this as a patient care coordinator for an outpatient psychiatry clinic, where it was my responsibility to collaborate with our providers and fellow support staff to facilitate care for our patients. Not only did I strengthen my skills as a team player, but I was also able to work directly with PAs and witness how they function in a clinic.
During my time working at the clinic, I worked closely with a psychiatric PA named David. I would greet the patients and take their vitals before David would take over as their provider. Working with David and watching him demonstrate immense commitment to and compassion for his patients helped me realize that PA profession is the right fit for me. The MDs in our clinic only had 10 minutes with new patients to get them into the clinic, while the PAs were able to spend more time with them through follow up. While David’s appointments were also scheduled tightly, he was able to spend more time listening and creating a relationship with the patients. David collaborated with his fellow providers and support staff to *** (something about the patients)
Although my brother was fortunate to have the financial and family support necessary for him to receive proper care, the majority of his fellow patients were not so lucky. While visiting him, I was confronted by the advantages my brother had compared to the other patients. This experience helped shape my view of the role of medical providers. I have come to believe that the responsibility physician assistants take on is not only to provide excellent medical services to those who have a support system, but also to champion and meet the needs of those that do not. The satisfaction I get from listening to and acknowledging these individuals has always pushed me to go the extra mile for my patients. I have personally witnessed the positive impacts PAs make when they take extra (time?) care to understand their patients before treating them. Once I am admitted to a physician assistant graduate program, I will continue my commitment to learning and practicing the skills necessary to provide quality care and unbounded compassion for those who have been ignored or invalidated by our healthcare system.
Whitney Prosperi says
Page,
I think you are off to a great start!
I can sense your passion for helping others through reading your story.
I think the story you tell about Jennifer’s commitment to your family is powerful and effective.
I would elaborate on why you will excel at combining clinical expertise with a personal touch to support patients. You want to show how you are suited to the PA profession and what you have to offer patients.
Good luck on your journey, Page.
Michelle says
It is a cold December day during my first winter sports season as a licensed athletic trainer. I am standing in the gym watching the girls basketball team practice when I receive a call from my track coach about an athlete complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath after a tough workout. When I hear the words “chest pain” over the phone I quickly grab my medical kit and coat, and I run outside to the track. I can feel my adrenaline pumping as I envision what awaits me. When I arrive I find an athlete kneeling on the track, hunched over, with his arms crossed. I begin taking his vitals while asking him questions about his symptoms. The athlete tells me he feels he cannot take a full breath in and feels tightness in his chest. His pulse and respiration rate are slightly elevated, but his blood pressure is normal. I instruct him to breathe in through his nose and out through his mouth while I call his mom. Fifteen minutes later she arrives, and his symptoms and vitals are improving. The athlete is even able to walk up a huge flight of steps to get to her car. I advise his mom to take him home, call his pediatrician, and take him to the emergency room if his symptoms worsen. Fast forward to a few hours later, the athlete is in the ER being treated for a spontaneous pneumothorax.
This story is meaningful to me for two key reasons. At first glance, this incident opened my eyes to the vast range of situations one might encounter when working with teenagers. Perhaps more importantly, I learned that exposure to potentially critical, challenging situations is vital for growth. I will never forget this particular incident not just because it was out of the ordinary and demanding, but because it played a significant role in my decision to pursue a career as a physician assistant. After this event, I was left with the feeling that I had done all I could do, yet I wanted to do more. I wanted to expand my knowledge and skill set, so I could better serve my patients.
During my time as an athletic trainer, I have had the opportunity to attend to athletes throughout their injury journey, from initial onset through their return to sport. I have watched an athlete sprain their ankle during a game, work diligently through the ups and downs of recovery and rehabilitation, and return to the field or court better than they were before their injury. When I see that athlete beam with pride after scoring their first goal, basket, or run post-injury, I cannot help but smile knowing that I played a small part in their comeback. On the other hand, the cases that are beyond my skill set, those I refer out to another healthcare provider, leave me feeling detached. In these moments, I wish I had the knowledge and the training necessary to treat these patients. Becoming a PA would give me the tools necessary to assess and treat more complex cases currently beyond my skill set.
As a high school athletic trainer, I serve as an access point to medical care for my athletes and their families. I have had the privilege to collaborate with physicians, physical therapists, nurse practitioners, and PAs to ensure the athletes receive the best possible care. Through this experience, I have not only been able to develop an understanding of the different roles each provider plays in the care of a patient, but I also began to admire the versatility, professionalism, and capability of each PA I have worked with, which furthered my interest in becoming a PA.
While shadowing a PA in an orthopedic office, I observed firsthand her ability to empathize with a variety of patients. Whether it be consoling the soccer player who had just torn her ACL or comforting an elderly patient about to receive a cortisone injection, she treated the whole patient. She expressed to me how being a PA has given her the opportunity to focus on patient care in her practice. In fact, she reminded me of myself in many ways. She communicated her knowledge and expertise while showing compassion, just as I rely on similar skills to connect with my athletes and their families. Following my shadowing experience, I can clearly envision myself as a future PA, caring for and treating my own patients.
Kindness, hard work, and honesty: three attributes to describe the quintessential PA. These attributes enable a PA to connect with their patients on an emotional level, to commit themselves to continuous learning, and to seek assistance when greater expertise is needed. Throughout my patient care experience, I have shown I possess all of these characteristics and more. I have demonstrated that I am equipped to handle difficult situations while exemplifying a commitment to learning and growth. I believe my life’s calling is to become a PA, and I am dedicated to completing the rigorous process required. The next time I face an athlete complaining of chest pain, I hope to be the PA who diagnoses, treats and cares for that patient.
Whitney Prosperi says
Michelle,
You do a good job of showing your desire to connect with patients on a personal level while providing them exceptional care. You also communicate your desire to do more for patients.
Also, your description of your shadowing is effective.
I would elaborate some on what aspects of the profession really speak to you. (the potential for more time/contact with patients, ability to switch specialties?) You want to show that you understand the PA profession and why you are a good fit for it.
I like how you tie back to your conclusion back to your introduction.
I wish you good luck, Michelle.
Jsnae says
Blood is everywhere that the eye can see. It begins outside in front of my aunt’s cherry red Nissan and leads all the way to the living room. There are red puddles all over the floor and red handprints on the walls. The blood belongs to my cousin, who is only thirteen years old. She has been struck by a stray bullet while playing in front of her home. My aunt is frantic and does not know how to stop the blood that is flowing steadily from her daughter’s carotid artery. Later in the hospital I feel powerless knowing that I cannot save her, that I cannot heal her. I feel helpless.
Coughing is the first thing that I hear upon entering my great-grandmother’s home. It sounds like it is getting worst. The cough is loud, harsh and nerve wrecking. She is at war with her own body. She struggles to get air into her lungs while also dealing with chest tightness. My mom prepares her medications while I fetch her a cold glass of water. We both stand around her, waiting for this episode to end. Trying to do everything that we can to support her in any and every way possible. The coughing ceases and she looks up at us and smiles and says, “I’m okay, don’t worry about me.” Her eyes are tired and her body sags but she remains strong. She has been struggling with COPD for a while now and the damage from the ongoing struggle is apparent. I feel helpless.
The physician assistant and I walk into the room where an older lady is sitting at the Duke Cancer Clinic. She is extremely nice and tells the physician assistant that she is sure that there is not anything seriously wrong with her but that one of her nipples have been producing a yellow-green discharge. The physician assistant first performs a check-up and assures the patient that they will get to the bottom of the problem. The physician assistant then decides to send the patient to get a mammogram. The patient wants me there with her so we make the time go faster by talking about her life. She tells me of her grandchildren, her career as a nurse and of her many dogs. The mammogram is finished and I am allowed to go to the back and observe the radiologists while they look over the images. They think that it could very well be cancer. I meet back up with the physician assistant and she tells me of the next steps. The physician assistant is confident and knowledgeable. I do not feel powerless, instead I feel empowered. I know that deep down, I have found my calling.
I have felt helpless many times in my life. Helplessness began as a child watching my mom struggle to raise my younger brother and I by herself while also putting herself through nursing school at the local community college. My feelings of helplessness continued as I grew up and watched my family members struggle to pay for healthcare and suffering from conditions that could be treated and cured. However, my feelings of helplessness have ended as I have strived to work towards my goals of becoming a physician assistant and making a meaningful impact on those around me.
For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to work at a nursing home that caters to both short and long-term elderly patients. I have been able to see what it’s like to treat wounds, to sit by the bedside of patients for as long as necessary and to do everything humanly possible to treat and help patients. I have had the pleasure of working with many different health professionals over the years but the physician assistants have always stood out the most to me. Physician assistants spend majority of their time with patients, are extremely versatile and very compassionate. They have to be well-adept in most circumstances and are also able to smoothly transition between specialties. The qualities that I value the most are represented in a physician assistant; awareness, collaboration, community and intelligence. Every encounter that I have ever had with either a patient or physician assistant has fueled my ambition and pushed me to acquire more knowledge and sharpen my skills.
I recognize that to become a physician assistant academic excellence is important so I would like to explain some of the discrepancies in my transcript. During my sophomore year I took general chemistry one lecture and lab and my grades were not great. At the time I did not know how to properly study for such a difficult class and my grades suffered because of that. I learned that in order to succeed I would have to utilize all of the resources that are available to students including the learning center, office hours, academic advising and tutoring services. I later took that same class over again and did exceedingly well. I also took the lessons that I learned in that class and applied them to the rest of my courses which resulted in much better grades. I will continue to push myself to become a physician assistant so that I can help the sick, injured, ill and underserved.
Whitney Prosperi says
Jsnae,
You are off to a good start. I also think you are a good storyteller.
I would add a few more details about your time working at the nursing home. Add a few lines that connect your strengths, your interest in caring for patients directly, and why you will excel at combining clinical expertise with a personal touch to support patients. You want to demonstrate how you are suited to the PA profession and what you have to offer as a future PA.
I think you are wise to address your grades. I would keep that its own paragraph, the one right before your conclusion. Then I would expand your conclusion some, reiterating your desire to care for patients and tying back to your introduction in some way.
Good luck to you!
Sally says
Thank you for the help!!!
If one were to ask me why I want to go into medicine the answer would be simple, my mother. My childhood, and most of my life to this day, has been encompassed by hospital walls, doctor’s visits, and a substantial amount of uncertainty. My mother was diagnosed with chronic renal failure shortly after I was born and throughout the years has struggled with strokes, aneurysms, and hypertension. Seeing my mother in constant pain took a great toll on me, but all of the medical personnel we came in contact with made me realize medicine was the route for me. They each exuded a sense of aplomb and assurance that resonated with me, making me realize that I want to be that still voice when a daughter, son, husband, wife, or even a friend, is advocating for a sick loved one. I knew that I wanted to go into medicine, but it was not until I began volunteering in hospitals that I decided that a physician assistant (PA) was the career path for me.
Joining the COPE Health Scholar program at Adventist Hospital allowed me to have a firsthand look at what it is like to be a part of a healthcare team. After completing an intensive training consisting of didactics, clinicals, and exams, I was able to work alongside registered nurses and certified nursing assistants to accommodate patients’ needs. Being able to be directly involved with patient care deepened my desire to learn more and be more involved in healthcare.
Working as a Health Scholar has taught me a multitude of things and opened many doors for me, but I wanted more. I decided to take on the role of a medical scribe at Adventist Hospital in 2018. I would describe working as a medical scribe as what single-handedly solidified my decision to become a PA. Working as a scribe I was able to shadow PAs and obtain a better understanding of what their job consists of. What undoubtedly drove my desire of becoming a PA was the amount of autonomy they had and the way in which they were able to collaborate with colleagues.
Scribing in the emergency room at a trauma hospital, I was able to see a slew of different cases. I can recall a patient who was a mother of 2, did not speak very well English and she came into the ER with a chief complaint of severe abdominal pain. Anyone could clearly see that she was in distress, but it did not seem like anyone cared. The administration coordinator was not Spanish-speaking and instead of finding someone to help better assist her, she disregarded the patient. The triage nurse did the same thing and I was repulsed. Once I was able to hear more of this woman’s story I asked the PA I was working with if she wanted to see her, and without any hesitation, she said yes. The care and time the PA took when examining this patient were superb to me, especially in comparison to the way the other staff members were treating her. Upon receiving CTs and labs coming back, the PA would discuss any unusual findings with other PAs that were around. She also collaborated with doctors and specialists in order to give this woman the correct diagnosis. Seeing the amount of teamwork that took place made me realize that when you are a PA, you are not alone in finding a diagnosis just because they are “your patient.” There is an abundance of people behind you willing and ready to help. The autonomy, teamwork, and flexibility in specialties I saw PAs have in the ER only strengthen my dedication for the PA profession; however, it was my work at Douglas State Veterans Nursing Home that made me see the larger aspect of it all.
During my time as a certified nursing assistant at a skilled nursing facility, I was able to see just how broken our healthcare system is. How some of these residents are treated and the blatant lack of care certain CNAs would show astonished me. As cliché as it may sound, one goes into healthcare because they want to help people. I do not believe that this characteristic should go away just because you get the job, if anything your desire to care for and help others should be intensified the moment you put a badge on. I do not want to simply be a bystander in this broken system, but I want to be part of the change and I believe once I become a PA I will be able to do just that.
This passion that I have for becoming a PA is not something that I take lightly. Every decision that I have made thus far has been to prepare me for this next step. Every school that will be reading this essay, I have meticulously researched demographics, statistics, missions, and goals to make certain that not only would it be the right fit for me, but also that I could add value to the school as well. This road has not been easy and I know more challenging days are yet to come. I am ready to face these challenges head-on as I yearn for the day my title will be, Sally Smith, PA-C.
Natalia Orellana says
“Sana, sana colita de rana. Si no sanas hoy sanarás mañana” governed my childhood. This adorable Hispanic phrase, roughly translated to “Heal, heal little tail of a frog. If you don’t heal today, you will heal tomorrow.” is what many Latinx children grew up hearing. We remember the times in which we ran towards our mothers, with tears running down our chubby cheeks, only wishing to hear this soothing rhythm. These eleven words, seemingly haphazardly tossed together, represent the deep affection, protection and hopefulness I was enveloped with while growing up; and have since instilled in my desire to work as a Latina physician assistant.
AdventHealth Waterman ED, where I worked as a medical scribe for two and a half years, only had two Spanish-speaking providers. Therefore, the rest turned to me to translate. On one particular day, which initially seemed to blend-in with the rest, an elderly Spanish-speaking only patient was brought in by EMS. Their history of the patient was short: “This patient was found on the floor in her nursing home. No one saw it. She doesn’t speak any English.” And with that, they were gone. Left in the hospital bed as a bruised, frail and scared woman who reminded me of my Ecuadorian grandmother. She laid there, in complete silence, while nurses and technicians began taking her vitals signs and cleaning her up.
The PA that I was working with, who was the first I had ever met, asked me to translate. The look of relief on the patient’s face when she recognized a fellow Spanish-speaker amongst the chaos was both heartbreaking and comforting – she was finally able to explain everything that had happened. On a day that was one of her worst, the patient was initially unable to be heard. This reality is one that many Hispanic immigrants face, and one that I aim to dismantle. Becoming one of the few Latina PAs would give me the opportunity to be an advocate for my community, and well as a force against healthcare discrimination and biases. This is the protection and deep affection I intend to encompass my patients with – one that is personal and familial.
Thankfully, after a thorough work-up and evaluation, the patient was only found to have contusions of her extremities and a scalp laceration. After the PA had sutured the laceration and bandaged her up, the patient was sent back to her nursing home without any sense of fear. Despite the obvious language barrier, the PA treated the patient as if she was his own family. This patient-care approach was beautiful to watch and reminded me of my childhood. It was not only his attention to detail when suturing or his complete examination, but also his personable and reassuring manner that placated the patient’s worries. As a PA, I want to practice in the same caring, respectful, and compassionate approach; where the patient at the center of the team.
My desire to practice as a physician assistant strengthened as I moved to an outpatient setting – working as a medical assistant in a rheumatology office. I have since been exposed to a multitude of autoimmune disorders, all of which are blind to race, age, gender or religion. Transitioning from the ED to an outpatient workplace was both challenging and eye-opening. The adrenaline-high was of a different variety: finding the lost laboratory results just minutes before the provider stepped into the room, questioning why patients had not begun the DMARD medications we prescribed during their last visit, and investigating prior authorization denials. In the few months of my outpatient experience I have seen the night-and-day transformation of patients who were initially wheeled into the office and then only two months later were walking, without any assistance, out.
While half of the patient demographics are Latinx, none of the providers are Spanish-speaking. Therefore, the reality of little Hispanic representation is glaring, yet again. More times that I would like to admit these patients have turned to me after their evaluations and said “No entendi. ¿Que dijeron?” As someone who had tunnel-vision for the ED most of her life, I am now being pulled toward the outpatient track. Working in such offices will truly allow me to fulfill the “Si no sanas hoy, sanarás mañana” mindset. Here, I will be able to follow-through with my community, answer any questions they may have throughout the years, treat them holistically, and see their progression to a healthier life.
There has never been any other option for my career other than in the medical field. It is the perfect combination of my love for science and the human body, innate desire to help and problem solve, and my meticulous manner and determination for equity of all patients. However, I had always felt lost when attempting to determine a specific profession. Finding the PA profession one year after completing my undergraduate career, at a time when I was feeling hopeless, was a blessing. Becoming PA would allow me to have decision-making capabilities, while also providing me with the opportunity to jump between the ED and outpatient setting. In this role, I can be a champion for my fellow Latinos and ensure they will “sanará mañana.”
Leann says
I remember the feeling of mulch under my feet, the sun beating on my face, and the wind blowing through my hair. Seven year old me never felt so free, never felt so at peace. I realized as I’ve gotten older that these memories of pure joy running around on the playground are so vivid because I was living in the present moment. As I matured, the present moment has been harder to find. Life has become filled with more responsibilities, more pressure, and more anxieties, leaving me yearning for that peace on the playground, that feeling of pure presence.
In high school, I was constantly searching for a career path, but to no avail I entered undergrad at High Point University as an undecided major. Because of my interest in fitness and nutrition I decided to major in exercise science. Little did I know I would find peace in dissecting a cat in anatomy lab or investigating the complexities of the human body in physiology. From there, science had me hooked, and I knew I wanted to work in healthcare. My senior year I encountered a dermatology PA. I was impressed by her autonomy and ability to knowledgeably address all my concerns. I even learned that she had worked in internal medicine before dermatology, emphasizing the uniqueness of lateral mobility in the profession. After that encounter, I was set on pursuing the physician assistant (PA) profession.
I obtained a job working as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in an oncology unit and quickly found that patient care brings me peace. As Mary struggled with the walker towards the bed, tears began to run down her face. I gently rubbed her back, knowing she was disappointed in the weakness in her legs. She began to apologize for her sudden change in mood, noticeably embarrassed by her tears, but I reassured her it was okay and that she could talk to me about whatever was on her mind. As I pulled the warm blankets over her frail body, she began to vent to me about having to tell her children about her terminal cancer diagnosis. I spent 30 minutes with her and felt complete peace. All the chaos of my shift was forgotten and the only thing that mattered in that moment was being able to comfort Mary. Although I was happy to be able to lend a listening ear, I felt limited and wanted to do more for Mary and have authority in her medical care, continuing to fuel my desire to become a PA.
In order to learn how I could help patients like Mary as a PA, I shadowed Brittany, a medical oncology PA. I excitedly followed her into her patient’s room to observe. The patient, only 19, concerningly sat up in his hospital bed with worry written all over his pale face. Being recently diagnosed with cancer, the patient had a plethora of concerns and questions Brittany confidently answered. I was impressed by the amount of time she spent with the patient educating him about his chemotherapy treatment and its side effects, leaving no questions unanswered. I later witnessed the close collaboration between her and the attending physician discussing patients’ treatment plans and prognoses and was impressed by the amount of knowledge she contributed as a PA. Shadowing Brittany, only inspired me even more to become a PA because I could truly visualize myself in her shoes.
The PA profession offers every aspect of a career that I desire. I long to continue to work in patient care and value the potential to spend more time with patients. I also desire to be a part of a healthcare team, as I am now working on a unit where the nurses and CNAs work simultaneously to create the best patient experience. Most importantly as an African American woman, I want to advocate for cultural competence and diversity within the PA profession. I have experience working with underserved communities through an internship with the Delaware Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and community service with North Carolina MedAssist and have seen firsthand how skin color or lack of money can unfairly be a factor of one’s health. As a PA, I will dedicate myself to advocating for minorities and promoting diversity in the PA profession.
I have traded in the mulch under my feet to tile floors, and the sun for the fluorescent hospital lights. I have found that playground peace again, but now it is with my patients. Working as a CNA has shown me that patient care is where I belong, and shadowing experiences and encounters with PA’s have made me confident that this is the profession for me. I am dedicated and willing to do whatever it takes to be able to wake up everyday and feel the peace of the present moment as a PA.
Emma Boda says
Hi everyone! I would love any feedback 🙂
The smell of antiseptic and the hum of fluorescent lights is enough to spike anyone’s blood pressure, but to me it feels like home. Visiting my mom in the emergency room (ER) during long shifts as a respiratory therapist to bring her lunch, ask her to show me how the ventilator works, and get stickers are some of my warmest childhood memories. Though hospitals can feel bleak and cold, my innate curiosity as a child and into adulthood has allowed me to see a different side of the clinical world. I was always intrigued by how and why the machines and procedures worked, but also by the people who came through the triage doors.
It was at the same hospital where I spent so much time with my mom as a child that I spent my teen years volunteering. I knew medicine was my calling, but I wasn’t sure exactly which route to pursue. During my senior year I enrolled in a medical career program through my high school to explore my options. During my time at the Center for Advanced Professional Studies, I had the opportunity to speak with a wide range of healthcare providers, including a well-known neurosurgeon. I was awestruck at his work and success, but when I asked him how he balanced his professional life with family life, he simply stated, “I don’t.” He explained his broken marriage, his regret that he wasn’t there to watch his two sons grow up. His passion for what he did was clear, but he seemed a bit wistful when recounting his life. This conversation shook me, and I knew then how important a balanced career is. As fate would have it, just a week later our guest speakers were representatives from the local PA program. I had never even heard of this option, but after hearing about the profession I was hooked.
In the following months, I shadowed a few PAs and worked alongside many more. I was impressed by their depth of knowledge and wisdom, but also by how well-rounded they are, both clinically and in their life. I saw that they still did plenty of paperwork and charting, but also how much time they got to spend with each patient. I saw their passion for their work and their patients, but also their ability to spend time with their families and pursue their hobbies. What stuck out to me was their depth of knowledge across fields, specifically after shadowing a dermatology PA. I thought most of our day would consist of teens with acne and mole removal, but what I didn’t expect was a patient with severe bipedal edema and inflamed, itchy skin. She didn’t skip a beat, quickly diagnosing him with scabies and contacting the assisted living facility where he lived to notify them of a possible outbreak. She had been an ER PA for years prior and was able to use her knowledge to strengthen her practice in dermatology. This experience showed me the scope of knowledge that PAs possess across specialties, and the importance of being a jack-of-all-trades in medicine.
I realize that I don’t have as many hands-on clinical hours as many other applicants, but I would argue that my experiences have been powerful. As an intern in the Counseling and Testing Services (CATS) department at KC CARE Health Center, I have the opportunity to see uninsured and underinsured patients from all walks of life. Being tested for HIV can be a very scary (and awkward) experience, but this internship has taught me how to take sexual histories with grace and counsel my patients without judgment. It has also taught me how important empathy is in treating vulnerable patient populations. When I noticed that my young patient’s hands were trembling as I sanitized them, I knew to ask him if he’d like to walk around and take a drink of water to calm down together before we continued with his test. When the teenage girl came in with fear in her eyes asking for a discreet pregnancy test so that her case worker wouldn’t find out, I knew to take extra time to make sure that she was given accurate information and compassion. I have also learned vital teamwork and communication skills through my time working as a server and bartender. When my restaurant transitioned from single servers to team service, where sections and tips were split between two people, I was a bit skeptical at first but quickly realized how much utilizing different strengths of multiple individuals improved guest experience and morale. This translates directly to improved patient outcomes when providers work as a team.
My experiences have made me into a positive, empathetic, team-based worker who will excel as a PA. I am committed to working with vulnerable, underserved populations who deserve more compassion and understanding. I knew from six years old that I wanted to spend the rest of my life under those fluorescent lights, making it feel less scary for my patients just like the providers in the ER did for me.
Megan Alexander says
“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” This quote by Minor Myers, Jr. has become my personal philosophy and my approach to everything I do in my life. I strive to exceed expectations, but it is more important that my work does good and serves others. This motto exemplifies the two defining characteristics of transformative health care providers: competence and compassion. My diverse experiences, even outside of health care, have helped me to embody each of these imperative characteristics.
My undergraduate education and experience working in health care have taught me how to be a competent health care provider. The Human Health Sciences program imparted many valuable skills and traits of health care providers including, but not limited to, patient safety and quality, ethics in health care, and health policy and politics. This program taught me the complexity of our country’s current health care system and the immense responsibility of health care providers today to advocate and navigate this system for patients. Providers must be shrewd and resourceful to ensure that patients can access what they need. This means being creative with treatments that will be covered by their insurance and connecting patient with resources even beyond their physical needs. It is making sure that every bit of personal power and knowledge of the healthcare system is used to ensure that the patient’s holistic needs are met. In Kentucky, there are many underserved populations of people that face challenging barriers to health care access. This state needs an army of providers willing to serve patients and help them overcome those barriers.
I have seen this gumption displayed by providers in the clinic where I work, and their work has not only inspired me but challenged me to expect the same of myself. Working with Hepatitis C patients, I often connect them to transportation, financial and social resources to guarantee that our clinic is providing them the highest quality health care. As a clinical services technician, an attending physician once stressed to me how urgent it was that a patient of his receive vascular surgery. After calling another department, I was able to get her scheduled for a vascular surgery consult within a month. Knowing that I could not settle for that time frame, I spent hours calling other vascular surgeons in town and finally was able to get her scheduled within 3 days. This patient had a history of non-compliance, so I stayed in close contact with her ensuring that she was available and prepared to go to this consult. I recount this story as one of many examples where I was prepared to go the extra mile to advocate for a patient. As a prospective physician’s assistant, this would be my expectation of myself for every patient, every time.
Finally, a good health care provider must be compassionate. While I find compassion to be an innate characteristic of mine, there are ways I have grown and developed in this quality. Outside of health care, I have found myself captivated with the performing arts. Whether at my performing arts school or in the community, I was consistently involved in various theatre productions and choirs from a young age. While I can quote countless studies and articles that have found a positive correlation between arts involvement and academic performance, there is a greater takeaway from the arts. “What is more clear is the benefit that the arts have on psychological capacities for imagining other perspectives and continually reinventing oneself”, states Helen Immordino-Yang, an associate professor of education, psychology, and neuroscience at the University of Southern California. The ability to step into a character’s identity has developed my empathy for others and enhanced my emotional intelligence. By telling another’s story on-stage, I was able to truly view and validate perspectives other than my own.
I am compassionate about serving others and want my work to reflect that. One may argue that you can serve people in any field you choose to work in, and that is true. Even when I worked part-time at the Disney Store, I took pride in serving every guest. The high standards that Disney set taught me to never tell a guest “no” or “I don’t know”, but rather to work until you find the answer. From hosting events for young children to helping a fretful father shop on Christmas Eve, I ensured that each guest received my personal best service. Imagine what that level of dedication would do for patients who are physically hurting while navigating the massive and confusing health care system.
My experience in patient care and resolve for serving has refined my compassion for others into steadfast patient advocacy. As a physician’s assistant, I know I will be able to “do well”, but more importantly, I will be able to “do good.”
Austin Johnson says
I knew the moment I shook his hand what I needed to do with my life. He had everything that I wanted and was serving the purpose that I felt driven to serve. I was a volunteer missionary in Spokane Washington, serving people in so many ways, but feeling not quite satisfied. One day though I met someone that helped me change that. His name was John Colver and once I met him, it put into motion my goals. I learned that he was a physician assistant and not knowing what that was, I was intrigued. As he talked and explained what he did, I knew that that was what I wanted to do with my life, that there was no other option He was doing something that he loved, and I knew that it was something that I could love as well. I had been seeking a way to truly help people and I had found it.
After that experience, I moved back home, and I was hungry to dive into the field of healthcare. I went to work getting my phlebotomy license and working as a clinical lab assistant. I remember how scared I was as I made my first needle sticks. As my confidence grew, I became proficient at my job, was sought after by patients, and was able to work alongside healthcare professionals in many departments of the hospital and to see the miracles that teamwork can accomplish. As I moved on from that opportunity, I was given the chance to work in the operating rooms of a large hospital. In that setting, I was able to work closely with patients. I loved talking with them and helping prepare them for their surgeries. Many times, I was able to be there for a patient when their families could not. One experience was when an elderly gentleman was having surgery. I was assigned to help him get prepared for surgery and as I approached him, I could see the fear in his eyes. He was all alone, his family being far away, and he was looking to me for anything that I could give. In that moment, I realized that the greatest thing that I could give him was not my skills at taking his blood pressure or other vital signs but was comforting words and a friendly smile. As my experiences have helped me to develop clinical skills that I know will carry into my career as a physician assistant, more importantly they have taught me that the patient is the why.
I also learned this from my experience with John Colver and other physician assistants. As I shadowed, worked alongside, and interviewed them, I admired that all their time and attention at work and even outside of work, went to their patients. Because of their unique position on the collaborative healthcare team, PAs can be a patient advocate. They are on the frontlines of medicine, fighting right along side their patients for the best possible outcome. All day, everyday physician assistants make their patients their why. All my life I have fought for people and being a PA will give me a unique opportunity to do so.
If you cannot already tell, I enjoy serving people and making their lives better. I strive to be selfless and put others needs above my own. I have had some unique opportunities in serving and developing my ability to prioritize others over me. I can remember countless times going with my father to serve members of the community and taking a humanitarian trip to South America to serve people in Paraguay. I even gave up two years of my life to volunteer full time in underprivileged areas of Spokane Washington. I love working with people who want what is best for others. For the last two years I have had the privilege of sitting on a council of healthcare professionals, working together to make patients experiences and lives better. I have learned what it takes to communicate effectively and how important teamwork is to making things happen.
Because of where I came from, growing up in a underprivileged and medically underserved community and the opportunities that I have had to interact with people in these types of places and backgrounds, I know that I want to focus on these types of people. I had to drive four hours round trip to get specialty medical help. I know what its like to come from so far and having to wait, hoping that you will get the care you need. I have worked with people from all parts of the world namely, Russia, Latin America, and the Marshal Islands and seen how they have come from nothing. Everyone needs something and I hope that I can help fulfill that need in some small way. These are the kinds of people that I want to help and make the why of what I am doing.
From that lightning bolt moment when I meet John Colver, I knew that I have wanted to be a PA. There is nothing I have wanted more. There have been times when I have lost sight of this goal and it has shown in my academics, but I never have and never will give up. All my experiences have taught me that people want and need to be helped and I am able to be there for them. Taking this next step of becoming a physician assistant will propel me down the path of doing what I love and making people the why of what I do.
Cassidy says
Looking down over the long sharp ridge we had just spent hours climbing up through heavy fog, I couldn’t help but let a few tears fall. I had truly begun thinking that we might not make it off the mountain alive. It seemed as though everything that could have possibly gone wrong, had. Yet there we were, 6,640 feet in the clouds.
We had gone back and forth about committing to our plan due to the constantly changing weather forecast, but eventually decided to hold out for clear skies on the summit. We parked at the base of an old logging road in the early evening, slid our bikes under the metal gate, and began pushing them seven long miles uphill with heavy packs full of mountaineering gear. What was to be a fairly simple evening turned into a rather unique experience. The trip leader mistook an abandoned overgrown offshoot for the beginning of the trail, which resulted in two hours of unplanned bushwhacking in the dark as we located the actual trail with hiker’s intuition and a GPS watch. Eventually, we pushed through the trees out onto the trail and trekked another mile until finding an adequate campsite.
Exhausted, I got in my sleeping bag but could not calm my thoughts. I laid awake for what seemed like most of the night, considering whether I wanted to continue the climb after getting lost. I wasn’t sure I could trust the trip leader or if I was even still up for the challenges that would present the next day.
Waking up in the morning to blue skies, I gained some confidence. I decided to move forward, I wasn’t going to let the group go on without me. We ate a quick breakfast and began the ascent up the west ridge.
The first couple hours passed by uneventfully as we hiked to the base of the mountain and began the class three scramble. The mountain promptly became steeper and steeper as the thick fog enveloped the mountain. As we navigated the ridge, nearly blind, the scramble quickly turned into sheer exposed cliffs. We could not tell if we were off route or had merely not anticipated the technicality of the climb. I knew that one false step could result in a serious consequence. Even though I packed a very comprehensive first-aid kit, I realized that any incident we encountered would be far more complicated than what an ace bandage and some ibuprofen could treat. Panic set in, as we realized this scramble was not safe to do without a rope; a rope largely brought along without expecting its necessity.
I started feeling nauseous. What if we don’t make it off this mountain alive? As a group, we needed to assess the situation and discuss alternative plans. At this point, turning around was not an option, we would not have time to rappel down before dusk. I don’t think I knew what true stress was until I was having to create a safety plan while gripping on to cold rock with a thousand-foot drop at my back.
Only one of our group members was confident in setting up belay anchors for climbing, and he volunteered to lead climb the rest of the route in order for everyone else to tie in safely to the rope. Fortunately, he was able to establish numerous anchors and we continued our journey to the summit.
Twelve hours after leaving camp that morning, we finally reached the snow, our safety blanket. The clouds began to let up, giving way to clear skies and great visibility to the north. The group let out an audible sigh of relief. We did not enjoy the top for too long because we still had a lot of ground to cover before nightfall. One after another, we glissaded down the near-vertical north face, dropping hundreds of feet in less than a couple minutes. Sliding down that face, I was able to let go of so much of the tension that had built up inside me on the way up.
Our journey came to an end as we hiked back across the snowfield, looking out over the San Juan Islands with the shadow of Mt Baker behind us and a golden light shining on our faces. We made it back to our camp just after dark, hiked out to our bikes and proceeded down the logging road to our vehicles using headlights.
This adventure led me to understand that no matter how prepared you think you are, you can never foresee an outcome. Without the teamwork, perseverance, and problem solving that our group manifested throughout our climb, I don’t believe we would have made it back unscathed. I recognize the importance of these skills and their translation to daily life, particularly as I pursue my dream of becoming a physician assistant. Much like the climb I experienced this day, the path to becoming a PA will be filled with uphill battles. The fundamental skills that guided my ascent up the North Twin apply directly to my future career. I am confident in my abilities to work in a team, problem-solve, maintain focus and stay determined, all while under immense pressure. I will continue to scale challenges and endure any trial that comes my way.
julio meza says
She needed me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I needed her just as much. Forcing myself to keep my eyes shut, I was hoping and wishing I would just fall asleep so the emptiness would reside. It had only been hours, so it was fresh. I suddenly hear a car turn on and the garage door open. It was 2:30 in the morning, so there was no reason for anyone to be leaving. I suddenly remembered my mom had been in the backyard having a couple drinks before I headed to bed. I ripped the covers off and ran outside. My mom was intoxicated, sitting in the driver’s seat pulling away as she noticed me frantically yelling for her to stop. She rolled down the window. I will never forget the moment we made eye contact with endless tears rolling down her face.
My grandma had passed away earlier that day. My mom found her deceased, laying in the same spot she had left her in the day before. We were all hurting, but in that moment when I found my mom about to drive away, putting herself and others at risk, endless amounts of emotions ran through my body. I wanted to be mad, but I couldn’t be. Her pain was radiating. I asked her to get into the passenger seat as I opened the door to sit in the driver’s seat. We sat and talked for hours. She just needed someone. Someone to listen to her and not try to make her feel better, but truly just hear her pain. Later that night as I rested my head against my pillow, I realized that all we truly have in this world is each other.
Working as a physical therapy technician, the opportunity I have valued most is my time spent with patients. It has enabled me to gain a better understanding of who they are and earn their trust. For example, Carl, a 90 year old patient who came to us after undergoing an extensive neck surgery, is now one of my closest friends. Or Katie, a 48 year old school teacher who had reconstructive knee surgery after a ski accident, is someone who has repeatedly said that going to physical therapy is her relief from a life that has unraveled in front of her as of recently. Each patient is more than a set of symptoms. I value my time spent with each individual as I am able to understand them holistically and therefore provide better care. However, I have come to understand the limitations that come with being a physical therapist. I have come to realize that my passion does not lie in biomechanics, but in medicine. While in search of a career that would allow me to study and practice medicine while not significantly limiting my time interacting with patients, I discovered the career of a physician assistant.
While my time shadowing PAs has been limited due to the extraordinary circumstances we are all facing this year, I have had the opportunity to interact and discuss the role of PAs with various healthcare professionals. An emergency room physician and a registered nurse highlighted the responsibilities of a PA in a hospital setting. A physician working in an ICU touched on the opportunities that PAs have to collaborate with other providers. While all providers had different perspectives of physician assistants and their instrumental roles in healthcare, the common consensus among multiple physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, and a registered nurse was that PAs have increased opportunities to interact with patients in comparison to their physician counterparts
To me, this means increased opportunities to serve those who are underserved. Dr. Barton, a practicing Doctor of Osteopathic medicine specializing in family medicine in Reno, NV, described to me the situation that many individuals are experiencing in medically underserved areas and how I could potentially make a difference. People of color and low income families continue to experience disparities not only in terms of access to healthcare, but in the quality of care itself. Dr. Barton’s description of the current state of our healthcare system reminded me of that night with my mom. It reminded me of just how much individuals need someone to be on their side, to understand them. I want to be the provider that patients look forward to seeing when they feel as if the healthcare system has turned its back on them. I want to give patients a reason to trust their health care system. I want to be a part of a positive change. I want to influence change. I look forward to fulfilling my dream of studying and practicing medicine, while also fulfilling my calling to serve others as a physician assistant.
Whitney Prosperi says
Julio,
I can sense your desire to elevate others throughout your essay.
I think it would be helpful to learn more about what first drew you to the profession? What aspects of it really speak to you?
Also, add a few lines that connect your strengths, your interest in caring for patients directly, and why you will excel at combining clinical expertise with a personal touch to support patients. You want to show more about why you are suited to the PA profession and what you have to offer as a future PA.
I like how your conclusion ties back to your introduction.
I would go through your essay word by word, condensing and sharpening where you can. You are off to a good start.
Julio says
She needed me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I needed her just as much. Forcing myself to keep my eyes shut, I was hoping and wishing I would just fall asleep so the emptiness would reside. It had only been hours, so it was fresh. I suddenly hear a car turn on and the garage door open. It was 2:30 in the morning, so there was no reason for anyone to be leaving. I suddenly remembered my mom had been in the backyard having a couple drinks before I headed to bed. I ripped the covers off and ran outside. My mom was intoxicated, sitting in the driver’s seat pulling away as she noticed me frantically yelling for her to stop. She rolled down the window. I will never forget the moment we made eye contact with endless tears rolling down her face.
My grandma had passed away earlier that day. My mom found her deceased, laying in the same spot she had left her in the day before. We were all hurting, but in that moment when I found my mom about to drive away, putting herself and others at risk, endless amounts of emotions ran through my body. I wanted to be mad, but I couldn’t be. Her pain was radiating. I asked her to get into the passenger seat as I opened the door to sit in the driver’s seat. We sat and talked for hours. She just needed someone. Someone to listen to her and not try to make her feel better, but truly just hear her pain. Later that night as I rested my head against my pillow, I realized that all we truly have in this world is each other.
I knew where my values lied before that night, but never had they been so evident. Never had I been so motivated to seek out relationships, tell those closest to me how much I love them, and to seek an understanding of individuals, especially those who are quietly hurting inside. As healthcare professionals, we will continuously be around individuals who are at their lowest. We will serve individuals who feel as if they are not understood.
Working as a physical therapy technician, the opportunity I have valued most is my time spent with patients. It has enabled me to gain a better understanding of who they are and what their needs are. For example, Carl, a 90 year old patient who came to us after undergoing an extensive neck surgery, is now one of my closest friends. Or Katie, a 48 year old school teacher who had reconstructive knee surgery after a ski accident, is someone who has repeatedly said that going to physical therapy is her relief from a life that has unraveled in front of her as of recently. Each patient is more than a set of symptoms. I value my time spent with each individual as I am able to understand them holistically and therefore provide better care. However, I have come to understand the limitations that come with being a physical therapist. I have come to realize that my passion does not lie in biomechanics, but in medicine. While in search of a career that would allow me to study and practice medicine while not significantly limiting my time interacting with patients, I discovered the career of a physician assistant.
While my time shadowing PAs has been limited due to the extraordinary circumstances we are all facing this year, I have had the opportunity to speak and interact with various healthcare professionals. MDs, a DO, an RN, many PTs, and three PAs, all from various different specialties, have attested to PAs having increased opportunities to interact with patients when compared to their physician counterparts, all while studying and learning from the medical model of medicine which differs from that of a nurse practitioner.
To me, this means increased opportunities to serve those who are underserved. People of color and low income families continue to experience disparities not only in terms of access to healthcare, but in the quality of care itself. Dr. Barton, a practicing Doctor of Osteopathic medicine specializing in family medicine in Reno, NV, described to me the situation that many individuals are experiencing and how many are quietly hurting and not being understood. Along with this, she described her passion to serve those in need, those who feel unheard. Hearing her words and her description of the current state of our healthcare system reminded me of that night with my mom. It reminded me of just how much individuals need someone to understand them. I want to be the provider that patients look forward to seeing when they feel as if the healthcare system has turned its back on them. I want to give patients a reason to trust their health care system. I want to be a part of a positive change. I want to influence change. I look forward to fulfilling my dream of studying and practicing medicine, while also fulfilling my calling to serve others.
Zariyah says
“Can you please promise me that I’ll be okay.” Everyone in the medical profession understands that you can never promise a patient that they will be okay. Daniel was the first patient that I had picked up when I began working as an EMT. We took him on a 30 minute drive to dialysis treatment three days a week. At only 57, Daniel was a bilateral below the knee amputate who lived in a nursing home with no family nearby. While he was sometimes in a bad mood because of the early transport, he had never once complained of anything wrong. However, when we were called to an emergency at the nursing home that Tuesday morning, never did I think we would be picking up Daniel. In respiratory distress, breathing 28 breaths a minute, slight blue fingers and an oxygen saturation level of 84%, I knew we had to quickly get Daniel onto the ambulance with oxygen and to the ER as quickly as possible. Throughout the 10 minute ride to the ER, I held Daniel’s hand and continuously reassured him that we would get him to the hospital as soon as possible and that the nurses and doctors there would help him get better.
Daniel was the first patient I ever transported but also the first patient who told me that I felt like family to him. Working as an EMT has showed me the importance of working of working in a team. During every call, me and my partner would have to rely on each other’s strengths in order to provide the best care possible for our patients. Not only did we have to work together, but we also had to work with the various medical professions that we encountered with at the hospitals. Working in team-based medicine has always been appealing to me in the fact that you have to rely on others in order to provide the best patient care experience possible. However, the role that has stood out to me the most are the physician assistants. While working as an EMT and doing various visits on hospital floors for patient discharges, I have witnessed the compassion that the PAs have shown to each and every one of their patients. While visiting Daniel in the hospital, his PA was in and out of room keeping him updated with his progress and giving him support in his recovery. PAs are an essential part of any medical team in that their skills and knowledge is needed just as much as any other team member. The fluidity that PAs have in choosing their specialty has also been a driving factor in the appeal for this profession. Working as an EMT, I have encountered various emergencies that required different specialties from respiratory to psychology. Knowing that I will have the lateral movement throughout my career is alluring because it assures that I will be able to make a difference on patients’ lives despite what medical problem they may be dealing with.
While the PA program has become more and more difficult as the field has become more attractive, I am confident that I will be able to succeed in this medical profession. While in undergraduate, I allowed outside pressure to affect him. This in turn, negatively affected my GPA and allowed my confidence in my abilities to decrease. However, during my junior year of undergraduate, I realized that I can no longer let others affect how I view myself and needed to start believing in myself again. Working as an EMT and having to make in the moment decisions and be certain in them has allowed my confidence in myself to rise. I could not be unsure of myself because that would have a negative impact on the patients. When bring a patient to the ER for an emergency, I had to effectively communicate the problem and what treatments I had conducted to help the patients to the doctors, nurses, and PAs. I could not let my uncertainty affect my patient care.
I understand that PA school is no easy feat, but I am certain that I can succeed because I know that this field and this profession is where I’m meant to be. I want to make a difference in patients’ lives just as I was able to do in Daniel’s life. PAs are a part of a larger group of people who come together to positively make a difference in a patient’s life and I know that I want to pe apart of that team as a PA.
Whitney Prosperi says
Zariyah,
Your introduction does a great job of showing your passion for patient care and connection.
I also think the focus on working as a team is effective.
You do a good job of showing your understanding of the PA profession.
In the section where you talk about your grades there may be a typo. (Did you mean to say affect “me” – not “him?”) I would condense this section about grades and after you address the issue of your GPA explain any academic or time management strategies you gained and how they will help you in a rigorous PA program.
I would also add a few lines that connect your strengths, your interest in caring for patients directly, and why you will excel at combining clinical expertise with a personal touch to support patients. 400 characters here should be able to show more about how you are suited to a PA profession and what you have to offer as a future PA.
Good luck to you.
Erhiga Ekhama says
Thank you for this platform. Here is my final draft, I will very much appreciate a free review.
As a child, I grew up with the title ‘Doctor’ attached to my name. I have always made it clear to everyone around me that I would someday study medicine although, I cannot particularly specify what indelible event inspired this ambition. Perhaps, I was motivated by personally battling malaria and typhoid fever numerous times, or maybe it was because of the significant number of times I saw medical professionals perform their ‘magic’ while I was admitted at the hospital on several occasions. Even for a short term relief, it was as though I owed my life to the medical practitioners at the time. Growing up in a small medically underserved town in sub-Saharan Africa, my genotype AA and blood type O, gave most of my childhood to my susceptibility to P. falciparum malaria infection. By age 10, I had survived 30 malaria episodes. I remember being so ill one stormy night that my mother had to drive over an hour just to get the nearest most reliable physician’s attention. Maybe, it was the nervousness in her voice while she constantly kept reassuring my alertness throughout the long drive. Personal experiences have shaped my desire to study medicine including my grandmother’s passing from an untreated diabetic foot due to uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, and my father’s longsuffering from osteoarthritis which may seem easily manageable but can lead to life-threatening complications in my hometown. It was not until a few years ago I started developing a clear understanding of my ambition to be a Physician Assistant. A career with a framework set up solely to offset medical disparities in underserved communities while providing support to physicians, is one deemed worthy of my lifetime dedication. My awareness of disadvantaged individuals who are unable to access medical attention has structured my goal-driven career path with compassion for the community.
This year has marked the most impactful year in all my years of experience as a Laboratory Assistant at a level 1 Trauma and stroke center. Having to experience a historic pandemic first hand has been a very self-assuring and rewarding learning experience. During the first surge of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, many of my coworkers quit at their first chance, out of fear of contraction which caused unprecedented staff shortages. On the other hand, there was me taking on new roles across the hospital campuses and nursing homes, working in the special care unit for infected patients, and adapting to new undesirable schedules to meet up with the overwhelming workload. Being at the frontline has helped me come to a stronger realization that I believe will strengthen my career as a Physician Assistant. At this critical time, my purpose became even clearer, understanding that every individual in the healthcare chain of service plays a vital role in giving quality patient care. Seeing Physician Assistants pushing in more hours and some working in multiple subspecialties during the pandemic, I knew I wanted this career even now more than ever. Knowing that I can have the opportunity to practice in various subspecialties and also take on active roles rather than working behind the scenes has assured me that this is the career path I have been destined to follow.
Another experience I encountered that acted as one of my determining factors to follow the Physician Assistant path was during my sophomore year of college. I was fortunate to have benefited from the assistance of several faculty members who have a strong passion and enthusiasm to educate with high regard for their students, and with their support, I participated in the National Student Exchange program. During my exchange, I experienced an academic setback or so I thought initially. While acclimating to a new environment, larger class sizes, the professors, the city, I became overwhelmed and it was evidential on my transcript. Getting back to my primary college I had to retake Organic Chemistry II. Reflecting on my experience, rather than a shortcoming, I learned to see my experience as a period of growth hiatus. My participation in the program made me a better candidate for the African Student Union (ASU) during elections for the Public relator position at my college, I was able to bring insights from observing and participating at a similar organization during my exchange. I had a new vision to make our group more organized, unique, and diverse using my fresh ideas, and this earned me the leadership position. I also used this experience to demonstrate perseverance and improved my grade from a D to an A. Through this experience, I understood my capabilities better and made a firm decision towards my path on becoming a Physician’s Assistant.
Physician Assistant programs are tightly associated with public health and community outreach which is an area I am closely entwined with. Over the years I have participated in volunteer opportunities to better learn about the needs of the community. From volunteering to assist the elderly at nursing homes, tending to the needs of pediatric patients at hospitals, to cleaning up community highways, I developed an awareness of community needs and how to give back. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of my colleagues shied away from helping out at nursing homes, but I was able to volunteer at such a time because I understood the need for medical care in elderly living communities. In such a manner, I aim to assist individuals from underserved communities with the Physician Assistant profession. Through my professional healthcare positions, I have navigated multiple challenges with patients and coworkers and successfully broken barriers and resolved conflicts. My abilities have been acknowledged on multiple occasions by leadership, coworkers, and patients, and has recently earned me a new role as a lead/supervisor. Joining this high-quality driven program will give me the attributes to properly diagnose, prevent, and treat illness, improving the health of the community. I know it does not matter where we come from or what we look like; if we recognize our abilities and willingly use what we know in helping others, we create a place for us in the world. There will always be difficulties when using our talents however, seeing the obstacles in our paths as buffers instead of barriers is what makes the difference. I look forward to the happiness I would get from giving back to this world, and the happiness it would get from me giving to it.
Kenneth says
Sitting, arms folded in a small clinic in the heart of Mexico City I sat wondering how I could help the provider understand my clinical concerns when at the time I could speak almost no Spanish. With some struggle and help I was never able to get my point across. Prescribed a simple cough syrup and knowing it would not help me get better was a lesson that impacted me in a way I would not understand until several years later.
My interest in medicine started when I had torn my ACL and surgery would be required. I met once with my doctor, then met several times with his physician assistant (PA) before and after surgery. I loved my doctor, but found myself really connecting with his PA. He truly desired to see me get better after surgery and start playing basketball again. After seeing the care he provided me, I knew the PA profession was for me.
Once I made the decision to start pursuing a career in medicine everything I have done since was to prepare me to become a good provider. My studies in college taught me hard work ethic. From day one I worked my hardest and finished with a cumulative GPA of 3.9 with a bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences. While studying, I worked and held a full-time job outside of school until my clinical rotations as a radiologic technologist began. During the last 2 years of college I spent over 2000 hours in clinicals while attending school full time and working a part time job, all with a wife and kid at home. I have a strong desire to be successful in my education because I understand it prepare me to better help those patients I serve.
I worked 3.5 years drawing blood in different settings, each one teaching me more about the importance of lab work and how to work with doctors to verify orders. Then, I started into my career as a radiologic technologist where I have learned how to work as a medical team with those around me. I work each day with different PAs and doctors to help provide care and exams for patients. I have also learned how to coordinate with different departments, talking with a telemetry nurse to help coordinate a patient’s care. I also work with the emergency department PAs, doctors and nurses to clarify orders and provide the exceptional care to all patients.
Working closely with PAs has allowed me the opportunity to see the resiliency and dedication that a PA must have to provide quality care for their patients. While in a clinicals for school I had the opportunity to work closely with a PA who allowed me to watch her practice. I would watch as she performed physical examinations, asked questions regarding a patient’s symptoms and even watch her suture wounds and cast extremities. The care she provided in that urgent care left the patients feeling heard and taken care of. I enjoyed watching her work closely with her supervising doctor to see how to better help some patients with certain needs.
I feel that my patient care background and career have helped prepare me to become a PA. I look forward to providing a bigger piece of care to the patient. I have learned from amazing PAs what it takes to provide the best care to patients. The sometimes-long hours and difficult times will all be worth it when I see patients improving their lives and becoming healthier. I want to work to help patients before the problems start. In a family practice setting I can form strong bonds with patients. Through thorough examinations I can help patients prevent medical emergencies in the future. It is a PA who has helped me prevent future injury to my joints by providing me exceptional care after my surgery.
Learning to speak fluent Spanish on my two-year mission trip provided me amazing opportunities of service to others. I remember as I once watched a nurse who spoke only English work to help a patient who only spoke Spanish. Knowing Spanish, allowed me to understand the entire conversation. The nurse spoke English to a monitor that then translated the conversation to Spanish to speak to the patient. As I watched this interaction, I noted how little the patient would explain about his situation. The second I spoke with him in Spanish his whole demeanor changed, it’s as though we made and instant connection. He then opened up completely to me about what was going on with him and the illness that brought him that day to the ER, as well as his reluctancy to come in. That moment took me back to my experience in Mexico when I felt I couldn’t properly explain my condition due to the little Spanish I knew at the time. This helped me realize that a large population in my community of people who are either afraid to come to the hospital worrying about the lack of communication or are receiving inadequate care due to that lack of communication. In a family care setting, this is a population of people I can help serve because language will not be a barrier.
I am confident that my past experiences have prepared me for a life of helping and serving others.
Whitney Prosperi says
Kenneth,
You have many strong elements in your essay. I like how you show your introduction to the PA profession in a personal way.
Also, your intro and conclusion’s discussion about language barriers is effective.
The paragraph about what you learned from working with the PA is also good. You may even want to add another sentence or two in this paragraph, giving a few more details.
I would add somewhere your desire to collaborate with a healthcare team since this is such an integral part of the PA’s role.
Also, take some time to edit word by word as this sharpens all writing.
Good luck to you!